Madagascar debuted at the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) last year, appearing at the Country Exhibition and generating new opportunities for trade in specialty agricultural products between China and Madagascar.

"We have different kinds of spices, beans, and handicrafts, but this one is the most special," said an exhibitor from Madagascar at the 7th CIIE, holding up a bag of products. "This is Bourbon vanilla, a unique variety from Madagascar. It is one of the world's finest spices."

The vanilla, which traveled across the ocean to the CIIE, showcases Madagascar's rich agricultural heritage while also carrying the hopes of businesses eager to expand into the Chinese market. "We hope China's demand for vanilla continues to grow, benefiting local farmers and boosting the economy," said a local vanilla producer.

Alongside vanilla, exhibitors took advantage of their first Country Exhibition participation to promote Madagascar's abundant maritime resources, aiming to bring more seafood products to China.

Madagascar's Ambassador to China, Jean-Louis Robinson, emphasized that the CIIE is more than just a platform for showcasing products—it is also a key opportunity for emerging economies like Madagascar to enter the Chinese market. "We are proud to be part of this important global trade platform," Robinson said in an interview during the CIIE.

In addition, Madagascar lamb made its first appearance at the CIIE last year. This shipment was among the first to enter China since Madagascar first received approval to export lamb in 2023.

Madagascar lamb is showcased at the 7th CIIE. [Photo/Wenhui Daily]

"The air freight cost more than the lamb itself, but it was worth it," said an employee surnamed Liu from Sino-Malagasy Animal Husbandry, as he cooked lamb for visitors at the booth. "We want to use the CIIE to showcase Madagascar's lamb to Chinese buyers," Liu said.

At the 7th CIIE, companies from Shanghai, Henan, and Shandong have already expressed interest in collaborating with Sino-Malagasy Animal Husbandry.

After the expo, Liu described Madagascar's participation as a major success. "We connected with many high-quality domestic and international businesses and reached multiple preliminary agreements. This has not only expanded our commercial network but also brought new vitality to our company's future development," he said.

For other exhibitors, the CIIE left a lasting impression. "I had heard great things about the CIIE, but experiencing it firsthand was even more impressive," said a Madagascar business representative. "For companies like ours, this expo offers incredible opportunities."

A Madagascar Foreign Ministry official echoed this sentiment, saying he was eager to return next year. "One visit to the CIIE is not enough," he said. "Next year, we hope to show even more of what Madagascar has to offer at the 8th CIIE."

A Madagascar Foreign Ministry official is interviewed at the 7th CIIE. [Photo/CMG]

Sources: Xinhua News Agency, cctv.com, www.chinanews.com, Tianjin Daily, Wenhui Daily, Xinmin Evening News, WeChat Channel of China's Public Opinion's Field

By Zhao Guangmei